Hummus Sparks Uproar On DePaul Campus

CHICAGO (CBS) — Political tension is erupting on the campus of DePaul University, revolving around a commodity so mundane as hummus.

The issue is that the hummus served at the school is made by Sabra, which in turn is owned by the Strauss Group. The group Students for Justice in Palestine says the Strauss Group gives financials support to two Israeli military units accused of abuses.

Student group spokesman Trent Carl tells the Chicago Sun-Times that the reaction to the referendum runs the gamut, from strongly supportive to indifferent to irate.

The Web site Sixteen Minutes to Palestine reported DePaul initially signed onto dropping Sabra brand humus, but later reinstated the product, pending review from the university Fair Business Practices Committee.

New York-based Sabra is a leading seller of hummus. Its parent is Israel’s second-largest food and beverage company, with interests worldwide.

DePaul spokeswoman Robin Florzak says the outcome of the referendum is not binding on the university.